Species profile
Scheels Killifish
Fundulopanchax scheeli
Peaceful
Moderate care
45 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Keep securely covered and avoid overheating. This is a non-annual killifish and does not require a prolonged dry diapause.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
5.5–7
GH
1–8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.55
Quiet non-annual killifish. Males display but are usually manageable in a structured pair/trio setup; vigorous community fish can outcompete them.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
45 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 25 cm
Accepted scientific name
Fundulopanchax scheeli
Alternative names
Scheel's Killifish, Scheel's Panchax
Native range
Coastal rainforest drainages of south-eastern Nigeria.
Natural habitat
Small brooks, streams and swampy forest waters with leaf litter, vegetation, low current and soft acidic conditions.
Diet & feeding
Small insect larvae, crustaceans and terrestrial insects; use live/frozen foods with suitable small prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are strongly patterned and colourful; females are plainer brown/grey and fuller when ripe.
Breeding
Non-annual egg layer. Eggs are deposited in fine plants or spawning mops and can be incubated separately in water.